Very little to be had or earned; extremely unprofitable returns: You'llfind it'sslimpickings there, if you're looking for a fast buck(1940s+)
Idioms and Phrases with slim pickings
slim pickings
A small amount left after others have taken a share. For example, After each of the children took what they wanted of Mother's things, it was slim pickings for the rest of the family. This expression alludes to animals devouring a carcass. [ Early 1600s ]